Xi'an Tours 2026 & 2027

A 2-to-3-day Xi’an tour package can generally cover all the must-visit spots, including the Terracotta Army, City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Great Mosque, Shaanxi History Museum, and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. 4 to 5 days are enough for an in-depth exploration with extra visits to Mt. Huashan, Stele Forest, Qianling Mausoleum, and Famen Temple. If you have a longer vacation, it is convenient to extend your Xi’an tour to other hot destinations like Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Beijing, and Shanghai.

Xi’an is favorable for visiting all year round, but the best time is from March to May and from September to November in view of the climatic conditions. If you come in January, the coldest month, it’s better to wear padded coats, thick long pants, scarves, and hats, while in July, the hottest month, you should wear breathable light T-shirts, shorts or skirts, and apply sunscreen. Traveling during the May Day (May 1st to 3rd) and National Day (Oct 1st to 7th) is not recommended as the main attractions will be packed with domestic visitors. Also, be prepared for the relatively crowded summer vacation from July to August.

Yes, the Terracotta Army Museum is always crowded and noisy. There are 30,000 visitors per day at usual times, and even more on holidays, up to 70,000 visitors. At its entrance and the largest Pit No. 1, long queues can always be seen. Therefore, it’s very necessary to book tickets or guided tour services in advance.

1. Avoid Holidays: It’s best to visit the museum on weekdays, and avoid Chinese major holidays like the National Day Golden Week from October 1st to 7th, Chinese New Year in January or February, and the May Day holiday.

2. Go Early: It’s a wise choice to get up early to queue before the opening at 8:30 am, when the crowds and the tour groups have not yet arrived, to fully enjoy the joy in the museum. Otherwise, go there after 3:00 pm.

3. Visit in Winter: From November to February, daily attendance often drops to just a few thousand, ideal to enjoy the museum at a more relaxed, contemplative pace.

The city center, especially the Bell Tower area is best for first-time visitors and independent travelers. There are 4-star and 5-star hotels, economic and comfortable inns, and budget hostels, and it is very convenient for you to dine and reach the scenic spots. South of downtown is also highly recommended, as many of the city’s main attractions are located here. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda area in the south is a popular choice due to its vibrant attractions and nightlife. The western and northern suburbs are not recommended for tourists due to poor transportation links.

The local specialties, such as Chinese Hamburger, Cold Noodles, and Biang Biang Noodles, are highly recommended. You’ll find these everywhere, but for a truly local experience, the time-honored restaurant chain Ziwu Road Zhang’s Chinese Hamburger, very popular among locals, can be a reference. You can find a branch near your location to taste some snacks for about CNY 20-30 (USD 3-4) per person. A more formal sit-down dinner at a quality local restaurant costs roughly CNY 50-100 (USD 7-15) per person. You’re advised not to consider the well-known Muslim Quarter, as it is often crowded and specifically tailored toward tourists, which may not offer the best value for money. The nearby Sajinqiao Food Street would be a better choice. Our guide will be willing to give you some appropriate recommendations whenever needed.

Xi’an is one of the cities in China that implements a 240-hour visa-free transit policy, so international visitors who meet the requirements (holding a valid passport and onward flight ticket with a confirmed seat to a third country) can apply for it at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport to stay for no more than 10 days.

Xi’an has a well-developed public transportation network, with dozens of subway lines and countless buses that can take you to almost all the main spots like the Terracotta Army Museum, City Wall, Shaanxi History Museum, and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Taxis and online-hailing vehicles, which take one hour and cost about CNY 100 from the airport to the city center, are also available at any time. Note that there may be traffic jams during the rush hours.